committee
Ryan Saunders
NFFTY Managing Director
A graduate of DePaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts, Ryan cut his teeth in the festival world working with the Chicago International Film Festival from 2014-22 as an archivist, technical manager, programmer, and ultimately as the CineYouth Festival Director. He’s dedicated to continuing NFFTY’s mission of encouraging young filmmakers to share their art with the world. When he’s not programming films for festivals or his podcast, you can catch Ryan trekking through the mountains of the PNW or sitting with his cat reading a book.
KD Hall
Seattle Film Commissioner / Board of Governor and Scholarship Chair for NATAS NW / Partnership Chair of the Seattle Association of Black Journalists / Seattle Sports Commissioner
KD Hall is a dynamic Emmy-nominated filmmaker, storyteller, professor, and communications strategist who champions women’s leadership and representation through media, education, and community initiatives. She holds several influential roles in Seattle, including Film Commissioner and leadership positions with NATAS NW, the Seattle Association of Black Journalists, and Seattle Sports Commission. As founder of KD Hall Communications and the KD Hall Foundation, she blends strategic consulting, media production, and youth mentorship—impacting over 1,000 young women through programs in the U.S. and Nigeria. Her acclaimed talk show Conversations with KD Hall, educational contributions at the University of Washington, and extensive work with public and private clients further reflect her commitment to empowerment and equity. Recognized with numerous awards, KD balances her professional success with deep dedication to her family and community-driven values.
Nicole Hendrix
Executive Director/Co-Founder of BRIC Foundation
Thomas Ackels
Co-Founder and CEO of Offbeat Films
Thomas has a passion for people and a specialty in taking an idea and turning it into a reality. With his background as a producer, one of Thomas’ favorite parts of work is to assemble the ideal team for the job. Outside work, he enjoys a good podcast while playing catch with his dog Nemo.
Nicole Henao
Arts Educator & Program Designer
Jace ECAj
Director of Programs & Artist Engagement of The Residency
Jace is a veteran of the Seattle Hip-Hop/Arts scene. Since the mid 90’s, Jace has been very instrumental in doing work to turn the ‘scene’ into an industry. Through his work as performer, activist, advocate and community member, he sees himself as a vehicle to help build Seattle into a powerhouse in the Arts Worldwide. Growing up in the Southend of Seattle, he sees the disparity of those who have dreams and those who get the help to reach their goals. So, he uses his influence and knowledge to share with those whose voices are not always listened to. Developed the first Hip-Hop Summit/Conference in Seattle in 1993 at the Seattle Center House in collaboration with Festival Sundiata. As well as working with the Hip-Hop Community to create ‘Dope Emporium’ in 2005, the only ALL Hip-Hop Festival in Seattle. With the help and contributions from Hip-Hop artists, practitioners, supporters, advocates and those interested in finding out what the Seattle Hip-Hop scene is all about. And, how much bigger it is than just the music. Jace is a founding member of one of Seattle’s elite, eclectic and groundbreaking groups, Black Stax.
Darlene Mortel Edouard, PhD
Director of Education of BRIC Foundation
Dr. Darlene Mortel Edouard is the Director of Education at the BRIC Foundation, where she leads initiatives to expand equitable pathways into the entertainment, gaming, media, and technology industries. She also serves as a children’s media consultant with Ole Greens Group and is a producer on the PBS KIDS series Work It Out Wombats!, MayNERD’s Wild World of Science and Stuntboy. She holds a Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, with research focused on representation, visual culture, and cultural narratives in visual culture.
Olivia Neal Howell
Interdisciplinary Creative + Entrepreneur of THE OLIVIA NEAL EXPERIENCE // SEATTLE CREATES
Olivia Neal Howell is the Founder and CEO of The Olivia Neal Experience (T.O.N.E.), an interdisciplinary creative agency, production company, and talent representation ecosystem connecting arts, technology, business, and culture through strategic partnerships and immersive experiences. She is also the founder of SEATTLE CREATES, a nonprofit workforce development initiative creating career pathways for the next generation of creatives through education, mentorship, and cross-industry collaboration. With more than 25 years of experience spanning fashion, marketing, brand strategy, event production, and community building, Olivia is recognized for bringing together public, private, and creative sectors to build programs that strengthen the creative economy. Her work focuses on transforming big ideas into long-term cultural infrastructure that benefits creatives, entrepreneurs, businesses, and communities alike.
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